With the rise in popularity of bicycle riding throughout Maryland and its surrounding communities, there has been an unfortunate rise in the need of a good bicycle accident law firm Maryland cyclists and their families can turn to in difficult times. Bicycle riders are more vulnerable to injuries in an accident compared to people in vehicles with protection around them such as cars, trucks, vans, etc. Getting the help of a law firm that is familiar with laws that govern bicycle accidents and that has lawyers who are familiar with Maryland courts, is a good first step towards protecting the rights of a bicycle accident victim.
Maryland Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured while riding a bike, you may want to contact the Maryland bicycle accident lawyers at Cohen & Cohen Bicycle accidents and injuries have become an escalated issue in the Maryland area over the past few years. A reason for this is that bicycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation, in direct correlation with the surge of interest in fitness, environmental awareness and charity events – especially in Maryland and the Washington, DC area. Americans have taken a large interest in fitness and becoming environmentally conscience over the past few years.
Gone are the days of sitting in a gas-guzzling vehicle to get from Point A to Point B. Some citizens choose bicycles over owning cars because of the fiscal responsibility, some choose bikes for leisure, and others simply want a reason to get outside in the sunny weather during a spring or summer afternoon. Regardless of the reason, more bicycles are on the roads today. With the growth of bicyclists on the road, there is a rise in the need of Maryland bicycle accident lawyers.
Accessing bicycles in larger cities are becoming more popular and community friendly because of the growth in the bicycle market. In 2012, Bicycling.com named Washington, DC and Arlington, VA two of the nation’s top 50 bike-friendly cities; Washington, DC ranked #4 and Arlington ranked #23. The cities are involved in a bike share system called Capital Bikeshare that now has over 20 thousand members throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Another reason for the surge of bicycle use in the state of Maryland is traffic overcrowding. With more Americans moving to larger cities for employment and other opportunities, metropolises like Washington, D.C. are seeing a rise in daily traffic. In 2016, Washington, D.C. alone ranked 2nd as the worst traffic-congested city in the United States.
The increased number of bicycle riders on the streets also means that there is a greater risk of a bicycle accident occurring than ever before. Traffic congestion and vehicle accidents are no longer issues that pertain only to cars. Some Maryland bicycle accident lawyers are seeing a rise in bicycle-related personal injury cases. Although the area outside of Washington, D.C. and the city itself has taken precautions, such as designated bike lanes and an increased number of bike trails, to ensure the safety of bike riders, hundreds of people are injured every year as the result of a bicycle accident.
Riders are subject to some of the same traffic rules as motor vehicle operators, but the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident is greater. When a collision occurs, bicyclist injuries are often more severe. Bicycle riders need to be more careful and mindful when traveling in congested areas that can contain traffic to avoid accidents with motor vehicles or with fellow bicyclists. Costly injuries can be avoided by bicycle riders by taking some simple precautions. These precautions are trusted methods that can save your life as a bicycle rider on the road. Some measures can be taken to prevent bicycle accidents include:
- Wearing a light on your helmet
- Wearing visible, reflective clothing
- Placing reflectors on both front and rear tires
- Riding with, not against, traffic
- Avoiding swerving
- Keeping a safe distance between yourself and other moving AND parked traffic
- Using hand signals to alert motorists of your intentions
- Keeping both hands on the handlebars
- Make sure your brakes are oiled properly and do not need to be replaced
- Make sure there is enough tire pressure in both of your bicycle’s tires
- Not carrying items that impede having a balance on the bicycle
- Riding in permitted bike lanes only
- Not carrying extra passengers on a bicycle unless there is a passenger seat equipped
- Not wearing headphones that cover both of the rider’s ears
Although taking these precautions can help prevent a bicycle accident, accidents are still likely to occur for a number of reasons. Collisions may occur due to another motor vehicle, by defective bicycle parts, by unsafe road or sidewalk conditions, or due to being struck by a car door of a parked vehicle. Helmets can provide protection to the brain, there is little else about a bicycle that can offer protection to the rider if he or she is involved in an accident.
The types of bicycle accident injuries can include but are not limited to the following:
- Bruises, scrapes, and lacerations
- Fractures or broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord and nerve damage
- Skull and facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
As a bicyclist in the state of Maryland, you may have additional questions best answered by Maryland bicycle accident lawyers. Bicycle riders can feel comfortable consulting with Cohen & Cohen for dependable advice on how to stay safe on the roads of Maryland and in the metro area of Washington, D.C.
Does Maryland have bicycle laws?
Maryland has bicycle safety laws. According to Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles and are thus allowed to ride on the roads provided they follow the same rules of the roads that other motorists are required to follow. When a Maryland bicycle rider who is following all laws and safety precautions is injured by a negligent motorist or fellow rider, it may be in their best interest to discuss their situation with a reputable bicycle accident law firm.
Some of the important bicycle safety laws in Maryland include but are not limited to:
- Even though it is recommended that all bicycle riders wear helmets,
only bicyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets - Bicycles must have a front lamp and a rear red reflector light
- Bicycle riders must ride in a bike lane if one is available; if there is no
bike lane available, bicycle riders must ride as close to the right side of
the road as possible, and with the flow of traffic - Bicycle riders should not wear headsets or earplugs that cover both
ears - Bicycles are not allowed on roads with speed limits higher than 50 mph
- Motorists must pass a cyclist with a minimum of three feet clearance
This article contains general information only and is not intended as legal advice in any way. A good place to get more comprehensive information about a Maryland bicycle accident is from a personal injury law firm that has lawyers who are licensed to practice in Maryland and its surrounding communities.
Do bicycle accidents occur when the rider follows all laws and safety precautions?
Yes, accidents happen even when a bicycle rider follows all laws and safety precautions. Bicycle accidents are often caused by the negligence, recklessness, or malicious actions of others, where no matter how cautious an experienced and law abiding cyclists may be, the cyclist cannot avoid the accident. Common causes of accidents where bicycle riders are injured include but are not limited to:
- Dooring, aka when an occupant of a parked car does not look behind
them before opening a door right as a bicycle rider is approaching or
passing by - Vehicles passing too closely
- Vehicles making left turns in front of approaching bicycles
- Vehicles making turns without checking their blind spots to the sides
and behind their vehicle - Vehicles failing to look before pulling out of parking spots and driveways
- Bicycle riders failing to equip their bicycles and themselves with required reflective safety gear
If you or someone you love has been in a bicycle accident you may need the help of a personal injury law firm that is experienced with successfully defending the rights of injured people. For a personal injury bicycle accident law firm Maryland accident victims and their families can rely on with over 25 years of experience in defending the rights of accident victims, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation, any time of the day or night, any day of the year.
Contact Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Maryland Today
If you or someone you know was involved in a bicycle accident in Maryland, contact Cohen & Cohen to speak with one of our bicycle accident attorneys right away. Our bicycle attorneys may investigate your rights as a bicycle rider and fight to receive the compensation you need and deserve to cover the costs of your damages and injuries. Injury claims may be able to compensate an injured victim for current medical costs, predicted medical costs in the future, lost wages, temporary or permanent disability (when applicable), and the victim’s overall pain and suffering. Riding a bicycle alongside passenger cars and trucks can be dangerous, but bike riders have every right to share the road safely with these vehicles.
To schedule a free consultation with trusted Maryland bicycle accident lawyers, contact Cohen & Cohen today.
